We enter the stretch run and the race for the CUSA Championship becomes clearer each and every week. Here are our updated power rankings.
Note: National rankings are courtesy of ESPN FPI. Arrows denote change in power rankings since previous ranking.
1. Jacksonville State #80 (7-3, 6-0)
no change
This week: W, 34-31 vs FIU
For two straight weeks the Gamecocks have narrowly escaped defeat, this time defeating FIU by three at home. Tre Stewart rushed for 136 yards and 2 scores that included a 56-yard touchdown with 10 minutes left to put Jax State in the lead by the final margin. This came just two minutes after the visiting Panthers took the lead at 31-27.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 vs Sam Houston, Noon, CBS Sports Network
2. Sam Houston #97 (8-2, 5-1)
1
This week: W, 23-17 (OT) @ Kennesaw State
Hunter Watson returned to the lineup after injury and rushed for a 10-yard touchdown to give Sam Houston an overtime win against Kennesaw State. This came after the Owls missed a 36-yard field goal in their overtime possession, allowing the Bearkats to win the game.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Jacksonville State, Noon, CBS Sports Network
3. Western Kentucky #89 (7-3, 5-1)
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This week: L, 12-7 vs Louisiana Tech
In a very unusual low offensive performance for Western Kentucky this season, the Hilltoppers were edged at home by La Tech on Saturday afternoon. WKU moved to the 30 yard line in the closing minutes, looking for the winning score, but Caden Veltkamp’s pass to an open receiver in the end zone was under thrown. On 4th down, the completion from Veltkamp to Dalvin Smith came up two yards short of the first down, ending the contest.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Liberty, 1 p.m., ESPN+
4. Louisiana Tech #116 (4-6, 3-4)
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This week: W, 12-7 @ Western Kentucky
Louisiana Tech, with their head coach Sonny Cumbie apparently fighting for his job, has put together two very impressive performances in back to back weeks. A week ago, the Bulldogs were a hail Mary away from knocking off Jax State and this week they upset Western Kentucky on the road thanks to a late defensive stand.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Arkansas, 4 p.m., ESPN+
5. Liberty #103 (7-2, 4-2)
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This week: W, 35-34 (OT) @ UMass
Another win but coming in overtime for the Liberty Flames on the road at UMass. The Minutemen had every chance to win, leading 20-7 at halftime and then missing what would have been a game winning field goal and hitting the upright on an extra point overtime, allowed the Flames the opportunity it needed to pull out the victory. Quinton Cooley eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground once again and got into the end zone three times including the game winner in overtime.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 vs Western Kentucky, 1 p.m., ESPN+
6. FIU #112 (3-7, 2-4)
no change
This week: L, 34-31 @ Jacksonville State
Keyone Jenkins threw for a touchdown with 12:25 remaining to put FIU ahead of CUSA unbeaten Jax State on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers couldn’t stop Jax State’s powerful rushing game as they surrended a touchdown just two minutes later and fell to the Gamecocks.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Kennesaw State, 3 p.m., ESPN+
7. UTEP #129 (2-8, 2-5)
no change
This week: OPEN
The Miners come out of their open date to take on Rocky Top Tennessee. Tough draw for Scotty Walden as he comes down the stretch in his first year in El Paso.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Tennessee, 1 p.m., ESPN+
8. Middle Tennessee #127 (3-7, 2-4)
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This week: OPEN
The Blue Raiders had their bowl eligibility hopes crushed last week. How will they respond following an open date as they prepare for New Mexico State?
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 vs New Mexico State, 2:30 p.m., ESPN+
9. New Mexico State #133 (2-8, 1-5)
1
This week: L, 38-3 @ Texas A&M
Seth McGowan ran for 75 yards for New Mexico State as they lost their third straight contest and eighth in the last nine games.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 @ Middle Tennessee, 2:30 p.m., ESPN+
10. Kennesaw State #132 (1-9, 1-5)
no change
This week: L, 23-17 (OT) vs Sam Houston
Less than a week after firing the only head coach the program has ever known, Kennesaw State, behind interim head coach Chandler Burks, came up just short of an upset against Sam Houston on Saturday. The Owls scored a touchdown with 25 seconds remaining to force overtime before a missing a field goal and then surrendering the game winning touchdown in the overtime period.
Next up: Saturday, Nov. 23 vs FIU, 3 p.m., ESPN+
